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A lot of people see this entire country as a community of Expat Retirees–but no one has really designed something with active, health concious people in mind. There are hundreds of condo development that offer a pool, gym and spa, vut what about a lifestyle. I see a reall opportunity to design a project that could not only be self sufficient, but offer most if not all adevantages to living in your home country without the obvious (and growing) disadvantages.
Just wanted to know peoples thoughtsYou are not the first to think of this, but the trick is to identify the “lifestyle.” Its hard to get peole to participate regularly with a regime that may constitue lifestyle.
I am all ears. What do you mean by lifestyle. If you articulate it than maybe you will get some yeas and nehs about what people think regarding your community.
Also remember that expat is a wide term that includes all differnt types of life style. What is the common denominator? To fill your development you will need wide not narrow appeal.
If its all vegan you just eliminated 90% of your market. See what I mean?
Well, since the main fear that I have seen among retirees coming here is the fear of lack of comraderie and perhaps lack of things to do other than watching cable. Perhaps a place that could have limited golfing, horseback riding, music, community events such as game days, painting classes, inexpensive access to some luxuries such as hair and nail salons, live music, aerobics, swimming etc. Has this really been tried?
From what I have seen, the number of people sincerely interested in a truly “active” lifestyle in retirement is actually a LOT smaller than we think it is …
In that case–maybe just a community with a wide array of channels, and lots of fried chicken might work then
[quote=”kordan”] Perhaps a place that could have limited golfing, horseback riding, music, community events such as game days, painting classes, inexpensive access to some luxuries such as hair and nail salons, live music, aerobics, swimming etc. /quote]
I think Scott has it exactly right. Nothing you’ve listed so far, kordan, would entice me to read the fine print in an ad. It’s not that those amenities wouldn’t be attractive to some folks but I think there are a lot of attractions you’ve missed. Point is, the breadth of what’s attractive to enough people to make a development out of it is so great that the infrastructure costs would be enormous.
Swimming? Nope, I’d want a stocked trout pond. Horseback riding? Nice for some, but I’d want a motocross course. And, of course, high-speed Internet access.
It would be a huge undertaking with no assurance that you’d appeal to enough people, at an affordable enough price, in a desirable location to make a go of it.
I could see the wisdonw in the fishing–however I think the retiree motocross course would bankrupt the adventurous developer
Ii think the current crop of new retirees is a very different animal from our parent’s generation. My husband and I are an avid mountain biker (him) and hiker/walker (me). Those activities are free for us in Costa Rica. However, we would welcome an opportunity for a good community “gathering” place that would include a really big English language library with an excellent coffee shop/bakery and access to occasional speakers. And we would be happy to pay a sizeable fee for access to that kind of amenity. I would be more interested n finding that “center” around a town square than as part of a gated community – which does not appeal to us.
Just another viewpoint.
To add another viewpoint, as retirees/semi-retired, we have all acquired professional skills and education. The utilization of those skills and education in the enhancement of the quality of life; for both expats and fellow retirees. For example, I utilize my legal skills to assist fellow disabled veterans, on a pro bono basis; in navigating the complex and anti-veteran VA disabilty claims process. Activities that expand the mind and body, would be very beneficial.
Indeed! I have heard about this great place many times and we are looking forward to “wandering in”!
Yes, and the Goodlight Book Store (used) is in Alajuela. It’s not far from a large park, has a good selection of used titles, and can offer coffee and pastries.
I resonate with soldier’s remark about using ones life skills and many are sorley needed here. That being part of a community would make it unique.
why not move into The Villages in Florida if you want an all-inclusive retirement camp? you could have your little golf cart to mosey around the property in. why move here? oh, yeah, i forgot. because it’s cheaper. there’s a nice gringo compound at Lake Chapala, Mexico. they sit around all day waiting for happy hour, then get drunk and make fools of themselves. they stay to themselves, entertain themselves, all within their little camp. that would be my definition of pure hell. and i know a lot of active retirement age gringos who think the same way.
Not sure if you’re responding to my post Maravilla..if so, I couldn’t agree with you more and i should have elaborated.
I already have a house in CR and it’s not in a gated or all-inclusive setting. That sort of thing is definately not for me.
However I do like the concept of a community that grows their own organic food, and I plan to visit to learn about gardening in the tropics. The Osa village offers courses that seem quite interesting. I’ll post my opinion here after I visit.
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